Project Overview

Broockman Zero Energy Home

High-Performance SIP Construction for Net-Zero Living

The Broockman Zero Energy Home is a high-performance single-family residence in Oregon designed to dramatically reduce energy demand while delivering long-term comfort and durability. The project reflects a deliberate, systems-based approach to residential construction—where envelope performance, mechanical efficiency, and renewable energy work together to support zero-energy living.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) were used as the primary building envelope system, forming the foundation of the home’s energy efficiency, airtightness, and construction quality.

Design and Sustainability

From the outset, the home was designed with envelope-first performance as a guiding principle. By prioritizing airtightness, thermal continuity, and durability, the project minimizes reliance on mechanical systems while maintaining stable interior conditions throughout the year.

SIP construction supports this strategy by integrating structure, insulation, and air sealing into a single, continuous system. This approach simplifies construction, improves quality control, and enables the home to achieve deep energy savings without unnecessary complexity.

Why SIPs?

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) were selected to help achieve the project’s zero-energy objectives. Compared to conventional framing, SIPs provide superior insulation, reduced thermal bridging, and significantly lower air leakage—critical factors for homes targeting net-zero performance.

For the Broockman home, SIP construction offered a predictable and efficient way to deliver a high-performance envelope while streamlining installation and improving overall build quality.

Benefits of SIPs

Using SIPs on this project delivered several key advantages:

• Energy Efficiency:
  Continuous insulation and airtight construction significantly reduce heating and cooling demand.

• Thermal Comfort:
  SIPs support stable indoor temperatures and minimize drafts year-round.

• Construction Quality:
  Factory-built panels improve precision and consistency across wall and roof assemblies.

• Durability:
  SIP construction creates a solid, long-lasting envelope designed for high-performance residential use.

Performance & Sustainability Features

• High-performance SIP building envelope providing continuous insulation and reduced air leakage

• Blower door testing: 1.8 ACH50, confirming strong airtightness and effective envelope continuity

• Ventilation:

  • Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) delivering balanced fresh air while maintaining efficiency

• High-performance windows:

  • Triple-pane casement windows

  • Sealed with Prosoco R-Guard AirDam to maintain air-barrier continuity

• Heating and cooling:

  • High-efficiency heat pump system

  • Mini-split systems providing zoned heating and cooling

• Thermal mass strategy:

  • Thermally isolated, finished concrete slab on the main floor

• Efficient appliances:

  • ENERGY STAR® appliances throughout

  • Magnetic induction cooktop

• Operational energy performance:

  • All-electric home

  • Average monthly electricity cost of approximately $110, including charging a plug-in hybrid vehicle

Construction and Innovation

SIP construction enabled efficient enclosure of the home while maintaining thermal continuity across walls and roof assemblies. The panelized system supported faster dry-in, reduced coordination challenges, and improved quality control throughout construction.

By simplifying the building envelope, the project team was able to focus on performance outcomes rather than managing multiple framing and insulation layers.

Challenges and Solutions

Achieving zero-energy performance requires careful coordination between envelope design and mechanical systems. SIPs addressed this challenge by significantly reducing energy demand at the source, allowing efficient HVAC systems and on-site energy strategies to meet a greater share of the home’s needs.

Key Features

• Zero-energy single-family residence in Oregon

• Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) wall and roof construction

• Verified airtightness and high-performance envelope

• Energy-efficient systems and appliances

• Designed for comfort, durability, and long-term performance